'I'm a plus size model. Allow me to change the way you think about wedding gowns.'

Raise your hand if you've ever heard someone say, "I need to lose weight before my wedding." Ah, the phrase that echoes through the halls of bridal boutiques and Instagram feeds alike.

Let's face it, society just can't help but sprinkle a little bit of fat phobia across every aspect of our lives, but the wedding business receives a tonne of it. The industry is still drastically under representing bigger bodies. But fear not, for we're about to embark on a journey to reclaim our bodies, smack fat phobia in the face and redefine what it means to be a beautiful bride or groom.

First, let's debunk the myth that a wedding is all about looking our "best." Don't get me wrong. I'm all for wanting to look and feel our best on the big day. But here's the thing: our "best" should be about radiating confidence, joy, and love, not about fitting into some unattainable beauty standard. Remember, your partner fell in love with you just as you are. They adore your smile, your laughter, your intelligence, and your heart. Your waist size or the number on the scale didn't play a part in that love story, so why should it on your wedding day?

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Plus size dress shopping is like mustering the courage to speak in public, mentally prepare while you carefully select an outfit that gives confidence and masks your fears, but shopping for a wedding dress is like having to deliver a speech in front of a thousand people without any preparation, and you're stuck wearing a clown costume. Surprisingly though, bridal stores seem to be the only place without the trademark floral wrap dress. Alas, our options remain disappointingly limited.

Now, imagine this: You find the perfect wedding gown, a dress that hugs your curves in all the right places and makes you feel like the goddess you are. But then, the whispers start, "You don't have the arms for that style", "That dress does nothing for your figure", "Are you sure that's the right fit for your body?" Well, guess what? It's your body, your wedding, and your rules! Wear whatever makes you feel fabulous, whether it's a ball gown, a mermaid dress, or even a chic pantsuit. You'll rock it because you're confident, not because you fit some unrealistic beauty standards.

When you step into that gown or suit on your wedding day, embrace it like a warrior donning their battle armour. Think about the message you want to send to future generations. By embracing body positivity, you're setting a powerful example for young minds that may be struggling with their own self-esteem. You're demonstrating that love is not conditional on appearance and that beauty exists in all shapes and sizes.

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Next, let's talk about those pesky "wedding diets" that are about as useful as a chocolate teapot. Seriously, who needs the stress of counting calories when you've got a wedding to plan? Instead of crash dieting and sipping on detox teas that taste like lawn clippings, focus on nourishing your body with love and deliciousness. Balance, my friends, is the name of the game. Enjoy those salads if they make your taste buds tango, but indulge in that heavenly slice of cake too. Life's too short to skip dessert, especially when it's your wedding cake we're talking about.

Instead of obsessing over the number on the scale, focus on the number of joyful memories you'll create on your wedding day. Replace the fear of judgment with the freedom of self-expression. Rewrite the narrative of what a "perfect" wedding looks like. Your wedding day is a celebration of love, and that includes love for yourself. Dance like nobody's watching, twirl with glee, and revel in the knowledge that every jiggle and wiggle tells a unique story of your journey through life. Love those curves like they're rollercoasters of happiness.

So dear reader, it's time to raise your hand again, but this time, let it be a bold fist pump of self-assurance. Your wedding is a day of love – love for your partner, love for your friends and family, and most importantly, love for yourself. In a world that often tells us we're not good enough, self-love is a powerful act of rebellion. And what better way to rebel than on the most celebrated day of your life?

Feature Image: Supplied.